Rhonda Johnson Stokes

November 16, 2020

CHARLOTTE – Rhonda Johnson Stokes was one of the kindest and most thoughtful souls known to those lucky enough to have crossed her path.  She passed away unexpectedly at age 55 in Charlotte, NC on Monday, November 16, 2020.

Rhonda was born on July 3, 1965 and grew up in Millen, GA.  Not only kind, Rhonda was exceptionally bright and took college courses while still in high school.  By age 21, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Georgia and soon began working for the Statesboro Herald.

In her 30s, she and husband Ron lived in Nashville where she worked as the Marketing Director for the Nashville Opera Company.  Rhonda brought new audiences to the classic art form by infusing her youth, vitality, and infectious spirit into its promotion and was voted Best Arts Marketer by the editorial staff at The Nashville Scene.  While living in the Carolinas, Rhonda worked for the Association of Chamber Executives and the Family Business Center of Wake Forest University. A life-long learner, she enjoyed an especially creative time in her 40s during which she honed her crafting skills with Amy Sedaris.  Rhonda loved to travel and never met a stranger.  She had dear friends and took very good care of them.

Rhonda leaves behind many loved ones including her mother, Mary Ann Johnson; aunt, Dorothy Trapp; brother, Scott Johnson; niece, Tiffany Johnson and great-niece, Elaina Johnson all of Millen, GA as well as former husband, Ron Stokes of Hilton Head, SC.  She was predeceased by her father, John F. Johnson and her beloved Tonkinese cats Ming and Jade.

Donations in Rhonda’s memory may be made to the Orphan Kitten Club https://orphankittenclub.org/ or the Humane Society of Charlotte https://humanesocietyofcharlotte.org/.

Services will be planned at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Kristi Lee

    Rhonda was one of my best friends, a close friend and confidante from when we worked together at Nashville Opera. After a visit to Charlotte in 2014 that rekindled our friendship, she and I spoke often and on every topic under the sun. We cherished each other, and my heart is broken to find out she's no longer available to send cards to and to plan for a reunion trip in Nashville. I'm devastated by this news.

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  • Mike Brannock

    This is very sad and shocking. Rhonda was infectious and so sweet. She will certainly be missed.

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  • Linda Simons

    My friend & neighbor when I lived in. Charlotte. We met &:kept in touch when I moved back home to. Carmel Ca
    Often would go to the Palm for our martini ?
    I’m so saddened And will miss her.
    I know she is in a good place. She was a true believer!
    Love you & will be missed
    Linda Simons

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  • Maria Stidham

    My first interaction with Rhonda was when she was working with the Wake Forest Family Business Center. She was phenomenal in her job and had a wonderful way of making a person feel welcome. Always smiling and such a professional. So thankful that our paths crossed. She will truly be missed.

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  • Lisa Shuman Morse

    I will miss our long golf cart phone conversations between you and David and I. I know you will make heaven a even more beautiful place . I will miss you .

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  • Scott Johnson & Amanda Gentry

    I love you sis. I miss you

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  • Jay Williams

    This is so sad and shocking. She was a wonderful person and will be missed. My heart goes out to her friends and family.

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  • Tiffany Brown

    Rhonda was a phenomenal person! Words can not express how she made an impact even with the short interactions we would have in the office. Anytime I saw her she would always ask how I was doing. Often times that is overlooked, but not by Rhonda. Her spirit was always warm and kind hearted. She is dearly missed. Sending prayers to her family and friends.

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  • Dirk and Nora Lindenbeck

    Dear Ron:

    We are very sorry about your loss.
    Rhonda was such a positive person and brought a lot of light into our lives.

    Kind regards,

    Dirk and Nora

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  • Kay Lovett Sapp

    I was totally shocked when I found out about Rhond....I called her “Ethie.” We did so much together and they were some of the best times in my life! As we both got married and she moved away time drifted apart between us. But I never forgot. She would do anything for you. Loved her and the family. Thoughts and prayers to all.

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